Neutering

Neutering is routine surgical procedure conferring very definite health and behavioural benefits. Female cats, dogs and rabbits are spayed, a routine operation involving the surgical removal of the ovaries, uterus (womb) and part of the cervix, technically known as an ovariohysterectomy (or OHE). Castration for males involves the surgical removal of both testicles.

We also offer neutering through the Dogs Trust Neutering Scheme for people on certain benefits. For more information on this please contact us.

Advantages and disadvantages of neutering are listed below.

Advantages of neutering

Tom Cats

Prevents unwanted kittens.

Significantly reduces the risk of your cat being exposed to the potentially fatal diseases of FeLV and FIV. (Feline Leukaemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus).

Helps prevent urine spraying.

Reduces strong tom cat odour and makes their urine less smelly.

Queens (Female Cats)

Prevents unwanted kittens.

Significantly reduces the risk of your cat being exposed to the potentially fatal diseases of FeLV and FIV. (Feline Leukaemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus).

Usually makes them less aggressive and more friendly towards people and other dogs. This effect is variable and behavioural counselling may also be needed especially in older dogs with established behaviour patterns.

Bitches

Prevents seasons. Unspayed bitches will come into season for 3-4 weeks twice a year, with the first season usually occurring between 6 and 12 months of age. During a season a bitch is likely to roam, will drip blood and will attract male dogs from far and wide.

Prevents unwanted puppies

Almost 30% of unspayed bitches develop malignant mammary cancer in later life. Only 0.25% of bitches spayed before their first season will develop malignant mammary cancer. Bitches spayed between their first and second season also benefit from a greatly reduced risk. After the second season the main indication for spaying is to reduce the risk of pyometra.

Pyometra is an infection of the uterus, a serious illness which requires an emergency ovariohysterectomy.

Bucks (Male Rabbits)

Prevents unwanted litters

Reduces sexual behaviour

Reduces aggression towards other pets and people

Does (Female Rabbits)

Prevents uterine tumours. Over half of unspayed rabbits will develop malignant uterine tumours by the age of 5 years.

Reduces aggression towards other pets and people

Prevents unwanted litters

Risks associated with neutering

All animals

All cat and dog general anaesthetics carry a very small risk, in the order of 0.01% for young health animals - but that's very much less than the likelihood of serious preventable disease for entire animals in later life. Rabbit anaesthesia is slightly more risky, but in most cases the benefits still far outweigh the risks.

Some animals especially bitches have a tendency to put on weight after neutering. Attention to exercise and a good, sensible diet are important.

A small proportion of spayed bitches may develop urinary incontinence in later life, but then so do some unspayed bitches – this is not a serious problem and can be easily rectified on a daily low dose of medication.

In all species and sexes neutering is a simple, routine operation that can be done on any weekday.

All health and behavioural advantages are greater when animals are neutered around 6 months of age.

There is no advantage in waiting for a season in the bitch or allowing a cat to have a litter.

Please ring the surgery for advice on booking in your pet.

A general health check will be carried out to ensure the animal is fit and well for surgery.